The Most Common Questions asked about The CRICUT!
Here is the ultimate guide to all the frequently asked questions I get. Some of them I have a video to and some I will make videos for, and some are just as simple as answering them! So here goes!
Here are all the questions - Answers are below!
DIGITAL FILES:
What digital files work well with the Cricut?
What are SVGS?
Can I upload my own images?
Will I need Cartridges?
How can we Create SVGS?
How to go about using an SVG with a lot of layers?
What are some good places to find free images?
What is the difference between SVG and PNG?
SOFTWARE:
Do you NEED a laptop to use a Cricut?
What software do you use with the Cricut?
MATERIALS:
What materials can you cut with the Cricut?
What are the starting out (most necessary) materials i’ll need for my niche?
•Paper
•HTV
•Vinyl
What mat do I use for which material?
Which way does each product get placed on the mat?
Can you cut Felt?
What is the difference between HTV and Vinyl?
What is the difference between 631 and 651 vinyl ?
Can you use regular vinyl for HTV?
What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor vinyl?
Can you use non cricut markers in Cricut?
What are basic essentials to start with?
How do you use Printable Vinyl?
What is window cling and do you prefer it over Vinyl?
PRODUCT CARE:
When using vinyl on glassware (no sealer) should you hand wash?
How do you clean your mats?
How to know when to change your blade?
What to do when your Iron on flakes
HOW TO:
What is the best way to weed?
Do you HAVE to seal vinyl with cups etc..
How do I center designs on products
DESIGN SPACE:
What is welding?
What is Kerning letters?
What is slicing?
Can you sell items made from cricut projects?
How do you change blade depth?
Why do you have to use the mirror button with HTV?
What does Flatten option do?
PATREON:
Will your new patreon system be easier to navigate?
How long after becoming a patron will I get my newsletter?
Will my newsletter be in my messages or Email?
Where will my password be?
Will the new coupon code system be able to be used multiple times or will we need to choose which SVGS we can afford?
SURFACES
Glass
Wood
How do you prep surfaces for Vinyl?
DIGITAL FILES:
What digital files work well with the Cricut?
Cricut supports a lot of different files. The most common are SVGS, JPEG and PNG. Gif, bmp, dxf
What are SVGS?
SVG's are Vector images that are scalable and don't lose resolution. They make cutting smooth and also can come in multiple layers for projects using more then one color.
Can I upload my own images?
Yes! As long as they are the format above you can use any image.
Will I need Cartridges?
Not if you have any of the explore machines or newer. BUT you can still use cartridges if you have some. FYI - Cricut calls their image bundles cartridges even though they are digital.
How can we Create SVGS?
To create and SVG you need to have a design program that supports it. Adobe Illustrator is the most professional, but a lot of people love inskcape because it is free.
How to go about using an SVG with a lot of layers?
Each layer represents a color. I would get used to doing designs with 2 or 3 layers and then work your way up. It's the same process just more steps.
What are some good places to find free images?
I love google, just remember to never sell anything you get for free unless you absolutely know you have the right to.
What is the difference between SVG and PNG?
SVG = Possible Layers and high resolution. PNG is a flat image that has a transparent background.
SOFTWARE:
Do you NEED a laptop to use a Cricut?
Nope, you can use your smart phone or tablet. Any computer will work though, you don't need anything super fancy.
What software do you use with the Cricut?
Cricut Design Space. It's a lot like a word document and is pretty user friendly. You can also design outside of design space if you know a different program. I love PicMonkey for simple designs, and illustrator for more detailed or custom designs.
MATERIALS:
What materials can you cut with the Cricut?
A good way to see the basic things you can cut is to check out Cricut's website. That will give you an idea of the basics but the materials don't stop there.
(VIDEO COMING SOON)
What are the starting out (most necessary) materials i’ll need for my niche?
•Paper
Paper is super fun because you can just get started. You will have everything you need right in the box. Just get some paper and have at it! Pens will be something you want to add soon. (Light grip mat)
•HTV
A weeding tool, An Iron or heat press. Cricut has the easypress which is a cross between an iron and a Heat press. It comes in 3 different sizes. (Regular or Strong grip mat)
•Vinyl
Transfer tape, a weeding tool. Alcohol and rags that don't leave lint. (Regular grip mat)
What mat do I use for which material?
This is a preference but typically stronger materials that need more reinforcement need the stronger mats. Fabric = Fabric mat, and paper = light grip. You will learn fast which mats you need.
Which way does each product get placed on the mat?
Most everything gets placed face up, HTV (Iron on) is the only thing you face down, this is why we need to mirror it when we cut.
Can you cut Felt?
Yes but I prefer the Maker for felt. Here is a fun tutorial.
What is the difference between HTV and Vinyl?
(VIDEO COMING VERY SOON!)
Vinyl is Adhesive (Like a sticker) You cut it face up and it's for hard surfaces. It has a back you can peel off and it needs transfer tape to pick up and place on your suface.
Iron on (HTV) or Heat Transfer Vinyl needs heat to adhere to surfaces and it best used on fabrics or canvases, all though we have tried it on many things. HTV is also placed face down on the mat because it has a plastic sheet that holds it together (almost like a built in transfer tape.)
What is the difference between 631 and 651 vinyl ?
631 (Indoor Vinyl) is more matte and less durable. It is made for everyday use but not to handle the sun and weather.
561 (Outdoor Vinyl) is shiny and made to handle the elements of outdoors. It can also be used indoors as well.
Can you use regular vinyl for HTV?
No, they are not the same thing. Please don't try.
What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor vinyl?
631 (Indoor Vinyl) is more matte and less durable. It is made for everyday use but not to handle the sun and weather.
561 (Outdoor Vinyl) is shiny and made to handle the elements of outdoors. It can also be used indoors as well.
Can you use non cricut markers in Cricut?
Yes but they have to fit in the adaptor provided. There are places to get pen adaptors for more common pens. We carry a 6 Pack pen adaptor set in our store.
What are basic essentials to start with?
See my What I need to Start with the Cricut Post.
How do you use Printable Vinyl?
VIDEO COMING SOON
What is window cling and do you prefer it over Vinyl?
Not really, I don't like the stuff that much, but it's fun for festive projects that you want to change up. here is a fun way to use it.
PRODUCT CARE:
When using vinyl on glassware (no sealer) should you hand wash?
Yes, I never put anything with vinyl in the dishwasher.
How do you clean your mats?
Awesome from the dollar store and a scrub brush, set out to dry. Always baby your mats and keep their covers on them so they don't get dusty.
How to know when to change your blade?
When cutting isn't coming out right it is time. Make sure it's not a machine issue or product. Cutting harsh product will dull your blade faster, and paper will too. HTV and Vinyl will hardly ever dull a blade.
HOW TO:
What is the best way to weed?
(VIDEO COMING SOON)
With a weeding tool ;). But honestly jump in and do it, you will learn quick, it's super fun and easy.
Do you HAVE to seal vinyl with cups etc..
(VIDEO COMING SOON!)
How do I center designs on products
Use a ruler and chalk. Measure to the center.
DESIGN SPACE:
What is welding?
What is slicing?
What does Flatten option do?
Flatten makes multiple layers into one layer. It is best for print and cut so it will only cut around the outside of the entire design.
What is Kerning letters?
Can you sell items made from cricut projects?
(VIDEO COMING SOON)
How do you change blade depth?
You typically need to just worry about the product you are cutting and finding it on the custom tool setting. You can also add a custom tool and select from there.
Why do you have to use the mirror button with HTV?
HTV is laid face down because it has a plastic sheet on the front side. This means the design is cut backwards and when flipped over it is the correct way on your surface.
PATREON:
Will your new patreon system be easier to navigate?
YES! We are working diligently on making the new system work SO MUCH better!
How long after becoming a patron will I get my newsletter?
Within 48 hours. Then you will get it on the 1st of every month.
Will my newsletter be in my messages or Email?
In your Patreon Messages.
Where will my password be?
Passwords will soon be coupon codes. You will get them in your newsletters as well as on the Patreon homepage. (1st of the month) Or up to 48 hours after you join.
Will the new coupon code system be able to be used multiple times or will we need to choose which SVGS we can afford?
You can use it as many times as you want!
